Empirical findings, case examples, and dispatches from emerging areas of the field illuminate representative issues across the continuum of women’s lives with the goal of more effective care benefitting women and their families. Chapter authors discuss advances in areas such as fertility treatment and contraception, and present current thinking on the psychological impact of pregnancy loss, menopause, cancer, and other stressors. These expert contributors emphasize the connections between an individual’s biology and psychology and cultural expectations in shaping women’s mental health, and the balance between a client’s unique history and current clinical knowledge clinicians need to address disorders. Included in the coverage:

The experience of puberty and emotional wellbeing.

Body image issues and eating disorders in the childbearing years.

Risk assessment and screening during pregnancy.

Normal and pathological postpartum anxiety.

Mood disorders and the transition to menopause.

The evolution of reproductive psychiatry.

A reference with an extended shelf life, Women’s Reproductive Mental Health across the Lifespan enhances the work of researchers and practitioners in social work, clinical psychology, and psychiatry, and has potential relevance to all health care professionals. Purchase now on Amazon by clicking here.

Excellent and Important Resource, July 2, 2014

Diana Lynn Barnes has been writing, teaching, and practicing in this specialized field for decades. In this volume, she has collaborated with leading professionals and put together tons of valuable information and evidence-based research. It is crucial that everyone who works with perinatal women have access to this resource.

The Journey to Parenthood

Pregnancy is the perfect time for expectant parents to run through a psychological dress rehearsal” of what life may be like once the baby is born. The Journey to Parenthood: Myths, Reality and What Really Matters answers questions and debunks some of the myths about the journey to parenthood, illustrating how idealistic expectations can clash with the stark realities of pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Great book for expectant parents, September 11, 2007The Journey to Parenthood: Myths, Reality And What Really Matters (Paperback)

I read about the Journey to Parenthood on UrbanBaby and I love this book. It’s like group therapy for expectant and new parents. People can commiserate and celebrate as they read anecdotes from the dozens of couples interviewed for the book. These couples share the good, the bad and the honest about the journey to parenthood. Balber and Barnes interviewed parents from various races, religions and socioeconomic statuses, including ad execs, bankers, CPA’s, a massage therapist, an actor and small business owners. Includes the most up-to-date research available on kids and marriage, sex before and after pregnancy, body image issues during and after pregnancy, and postpartum depression. In short, this book talks about “what really matters” and helps you take a breather from all of the parenting hype.

Finally, a book that REALLY prepares you for parenthood!, November 3, 2007

The Journey to Parenthood: Myths, Reality And What Really Matters (Paperback)

There are a zillion parenting books out there, but this is one you should buy. It’s a great mix of stories from real expectant and new parents – not just the cheery ones who claim everything is perfect! – and research on issues that arise when you’re becoming a parent. It’s fun to read about people’s expectations going into parenthood, and then the reality of their “journeys to parenthood.” A great read for expectant/new parents and the professionals (OB/GYN’s, therapists, birthing coaches) who deal with them.

The complement to the Transition to Parentood book, this CD also covers the many changes that accompany new parenthood, helping clinicians and childbirth educators work with expectant parents during this critical time. $21.95 plus shipping.

This training manual for clinicians and childbirth educators comprehensively covers expectant parent issues, while emphasizing the often ignored psychological and emotional changes that partners may experience. The classes outlined in this training manual are specifically designed to provide couples the opportunity to examine these beliefs and expectations and to help them make the most of this important time of psychological preparation. It offers birthing educators an excellent opportunity to deliver crucial information to families in an easy-to-digest format. $65.00 plus shipping.

Los Angeles Perinatal Mental Health Task ForceEstablished in 2007, the Task Force is a volunteer network of over 30 individuals representing more than 15 public, private and community agencies whose mission is to remove barriers to improve prevention, screening and treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in Los Angeles County.

Postpartum Support InternationalDedicated to helping women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders with the goal of increasing awareness among public and professional communities about the emotional changes that women face around the child-bearing years. The organization provides resources, referrals and online support.

California Maternal Mental Health CollaborativeThe Collaborative was formed in September 2011 with a mission to bring stakeholders together to exchange ideas, identify barriers and opportunities and form collaborative relationships to increase and improve maternal mental health awareness, diagnosis and treatment in California and beyond.